The primary goal of Android Auto is to allow the OS to take control of a car’s dashboard head unit, thus offering the driver Android-backed navigation and apps, as well as certain in-car controls such as starting the engine, locking the doors, and sounding the alarm.

The official website uses the example of reminding you to buy sunscreen as you’re driving to the beach, but it’s easy to see how this could be extended to everyday situations such as reminding you to buy milk before you get home, or prompting you to take your presentation with you as you’re heading to the office.

Away from the main screen, the technology can be broken down into four key components: maps, music, apps, and voice control.

The most obviously useful and appealing feature is the integration of Google Maps. The flagship app will power a GPS and navigation system that will incorporate voice-guided directions, on-the-go live traffic updates, and guidance on which lanes to use, amongst several more yet-to-be-announced features.

Google Play Music will also be directly integrated, meaning you’ll be able to listen to any of the songs you have uploaded to the free service directly through your in-car stereo without having to use up valuable disk space on your actual device. Currently you’ll need an All Access Google Music subscription to upload more than 20,000 songs or download tracks for offline playback.

Additionally, Android Auto aims to make it simple for you to use your favourite apps and content whilst you’re on the road. Support for popular releases such as Spotify, Soundcloud, Whatsapp, Kik, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and Songza have already been confirmed, with several more confirmations to follow in the coming weeks and months.

The whole system has been designed in a safety-conscious way, with a method of usage that’s intended to minimise distractions whilst you’re driving. It means steering wheel controls are supported and you’ll be locked out of using the phone itself when Android Auto is in use — but the standout safety feature is voice control. It’ll allow users to launch apps, answer calls, and play entertainment without lifting their eyes from the road.

What Else?

Although the aforementioned four ingredients make it more than apparent that Android Auto is already well on its way to solving in-car navigation and entertainment in a way that car companies have so far failed to do, there are lots of other noteworthy features. They include the ability to make and receive calls, voice-controlled web searches, a way to control the speakers’ fade and balance, and continuous monitoring of in-car data such as speed, distance travelled, and fuel level.

Hyundai is currently offering the most cohesive solution, and perhaps also offering a glimpse into the future of the system. Their Blue Link technology makes use of Android Auto to integrate with other tools such as car alarms and car starters, and they supported this by developing an accompanying Android Wear app that allows users to remotely start or stop the engine, lock or unlock the doors, flash the lights, beep the horn, or geo-locate the car.

Who Can Use It?

If your car supports it, and you have a phone or tablet running Android Lollipop (Android 5.x), you’ll be able to connect your device via the car’s USB port.

Competitors And Alternatives?

Google most obvious competitor to Android Auto is the offering from their long-term rival, Apple. The Cupertino-based firm have a similar product called CarPlay, which was introduced in iOS 7.1. Like Auto, it also uses a car’s dashboard display to control the car’s entertainment, make calls, and get directions, though one drawback of the Apple product is that it uses the company’s inferior (but improving) maps software, rather than Google’s ubiquitous app.

A Ferrari FF was the first car to be delivered with a fully functioning version of CarPlay in September 2014, and since then several of the same manufacturers who support Android Auto have also signed up.

Problems?

Like all new technologies, initial tests having uncovered issues and occasionally jarring user experiences.

The nature of the technology means users will be facing with two interfaces on their dashboard, that of Android Auto and that of the car manufacturer. It’s clear that some functions will be supported by Android and others won’t.

For example, while Spotify is supported, if you want to listen to the car’s FM radio you’ll need to exit Auto and navigate via the car’s interface. To a user, this distinction is arbitrary and could quickly become frustrating.

One solution might be for car manufacturers to publish their own Android apps that can control a vehicle’s built-in functions, but there is little suggestion from Google nor the 28 manufacturers that the idea is being developed. Some manufacturers (such as Volvo) have solved the problem by using a large screen that displays both Android and the car’s UI simultaneously, but this solution seems more cumbersome than simply developing an app.

Useful Or Gimmicky?

Could you see yourself using Android Auto? Is it a viable alternative to traditional GPS systems and plug-and-play MP3 players?

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John Schoonover

June 7, 2017 at 2:10 pm

With our updating our devices more frequently than our autos (I would hope) I can envision a WiFi connection with whatever device we carry. Possibly adding connections for a tablet based pc so we can update our visual hardware as often as we want and have access to all of our Internet activities as needed with whatever carrier we find fits us. With a self driving car we will have a lot of time to use all of this wonderment! Android could blow away apple if they structure this right to keep things open and WORKING to encourage high end development by staying away from pushing too many proprietary apps (like Google maps). What a wondrous world we live in! I hope it extends to space soon before I get too old!

8 years too late. New phone for new cars for a decade and only Crapple products compatible for this long? THIS is the type of thing Govt should be mandating is are compatibility standards not what we can and can't ingest. And before you say it "can't" be done the "it does not work in a moving vehicle" ATSC standard for digital television was forced on set top converterbox makers. Anyone making a set box had to use this format.
Looking to see what vehicles might finally be compatible with android brought me here. Now I see it still is not rectified AND the only solution is to buy a what '17 or newer car?

Android Auto will not work with most Chevrolet vehicles out right now. You will have to go into your nearest dealer and receive a free software update on your vehicle. After that, Android Auto will easily integrate into your Silverado!

"We've gotten our hands on Android Auto a few times at this point and are very excited about how well integrated it appears to be and the depth of voice command that it brings to the car. A freshly released SDK also allows some of our favorite audio apps (such as Spotify and PocketCasts) to integrate into Android Auto's slick interface."

No where on either of those links is Pandora radio mentioned. Nice try, I do own the HU from pioneer, and I do talk to Pandora since I am a recording artist and they feature my music there. From them I have been told that they may add Android Auto support but they are not in any hurry because they already have support in so many car radio head units already as a featured app of the unit itself. They have no ETA at all at this time and currently have not started any development to support Android Auto. So once again I have to say, No Pandora, No android auto for me at this time, but if and when Pandora is an option in Android Auto, I'm set and ready to go. Google told me when I called them that they believe Pandora will get on board but their ETA was some time in a year or two. Call them yourself, they have a dedicated number for Nexus 6 users and Android Auto, you can talk to a real person who is a developer and provider of approval for AA apps.

Android auto will not allow any other music programs to work, only Google play music is supported. Please check your facts. you cannot use Pandora or Spotify or any other media service with Android auto.

"We've gotten our hands on Android Auto a few times at this point and are very excited about how well integrated it appears to be and the depth of voice command that it brings to the car. A freshly released SDK also allows some of our favorite audio apps (such as Spotify and PocketCasts) to integrate into Android Auto's slick interface."

I was speaking specifically of Pandora, there is no conformation from them and when I asked them they said they might be releasing a version for Android Auto but had no ETA or any solid conformation. Sad but true, and for me no Pandora, No android auto but I do enjoy the head unit.

Just used the Spotify app through Android Auto today on my 2014 Dodge Durango. Worked like a charm. I can't speak to Pandora, haven't tried it yet, but as far as being limited to just Google Play, that is not the case. I will post back after trying Pandora and let you know.

If only auto manufacturers would allow their check engine codes to also be displayable via android auto. So you can see what is actually wrong (gas cap not on tight enough) so you don't take it to a mechanic and pay $100+ for them to plug in to their machine to see the code and then fix the issue when you could have fixed it yourself.

No, Android Auto hasn't been released by Google yet. There are cars and radios that Pioneer has made that are compatible with Android Auto, but Google has to release an update to their phones or an app that will allow them to work with Android Auto.

The way the built in GPS works in your phone is if you have a route set before you leave (while you have service) then you will continue to get directions whether you have service or not. If you are worried about this still, then buy one of the pioneer radio's with built in Nav.

Dan is a British expat living in Mexico. He is currently a Senior Writer for MakeUseOf. At various times, he has been the Social Editor, Creative Editor, and Finance Editor. Prior to his writing career, he was a Financial Consultant.